Copenhagen among quickest-growing tourism destinations in Europe

Danish capital saw an 8.1 percent increase in visitors from 2009-2016

Copenhagen has been ranked among the quickest-growing tourism destinations in Europe by the Global Destination Cities Index, published annually by Mastercard.

The index (here in English) revealed that the Danish capital enjoyed an 8.1 percent increase in travellers between the years 2009 and 2016, making it one of the fastest moving in Europe behind top growers Bucharest (10.4 percent), (Lisbon (10.2 percent), Sofia and Warsaw (both 9.4 percent), Budapest (8.6 percent), Hamburg (8.4 percent) and Moscow (8.2 percent).

Of the travellers who visited Copenhagen in 2016, 96 percent were tourists. They spent almost 6 billion kroner in the capital – 28 percent of which was spent on shopping.

READ MORE: Copenhagen among most expensive tourist destinations in the world

Bang on Bangkok
Overall, 1.66 million travellers visited Copenhagen last year, which ranks 66th overall globally. That figure is expected to increase by 4.5 percent this year.

Bangkok remained the most popular destination in the world with close to 20 million visitors in 2016. London came second (19 million visitors) followed by Paris (15.5 million), Dubai (14.8 percent) and Singapore (13.11 million).

New York (12.7), Seoul (12.39), Kuala Lumpur (11.28), Tokyo (11.15) and Istanbul (9.16) completed the top 10.

Holiday home award
In related news, a luxury summerhouse in Marielyst was named among the winners of the European Holiday Home Awards for the category ‘Best Family Friendly Holiday Home’.

The summer home – which can house 32 people and includes 16 bedrooms, two indoor pools, a sauna, a pool table, basketball court and a mini-golf course – can be leased through Novasol.

Check out photos of the holiday establishment here.

The good life lives here (photo: Novosol)



  • Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro is a cornerstone of the city of Copenhagen. However, while it continues to be a popular hang out spot for young and old alike, the neighborhood is in the middle of a transformation from the old working class population, to a younger and more economically stable clientele. This fact raises concern among native Nørrebro-citizens.

  • Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    The Irish Culture Association Denmark (ICAD) is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen on March 16, 2025, with a parade marking its 20th anniversary. Supported by the Irish Embassy, the event will feature Irish music, dance, sports, and cultural displays, bringing the spirit of Ireland to Denmark.

  • Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Yesterday, the President of the United States made some of the strongest statements about Greenland he has ever made during the press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    It’s difficult to learn Danish, especially with idioms that have figurative meanings. It highlights Christiane Bjørg Nielsen’s book, See What You Say, which serves as a visual guide to understanding these idiomatic expressions in Danish.

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.